French Dressing

 

Paris is over one thousand years old, and throughout that long span of time, the French have had a tradition of, and an affinity for, fashion. It seems to be bred in the bone. But then the French have long had a tradition of affinity for all the arts and skills that we have learned to call sophistication - the extra niceties of life that smooth the hard edge of reality. That French tradition probably stems from a society that has always prized elegance, has always lived with flair, savors food, wine and music, and above all, understands fashion and the end purpose of beauty in clothing. For the French, apparel also clothes the spirit.

The Haute Couture still represents the peak of luxury; it is the laboratory where the great fashion ideas are launched. The Couture keeps the great fashion names famous.

L a C r o i x (Right)
Evening gown, skirt of silk chiffon with many layers of various colors, all crystal pleated and swept to one side. Bodice elaborately jewelled with wiring to extend wing projections front and back. Bodice solidly outlined with gilt trim, over-beaded. 1987

D i o r (Left)
Left - Acid yellow heavy silk evening gown, wrapped and fastened at the side with self-ties. Short cropped bodice. Double lining in gown. 1971

Middle - Silk evening pajamas, self-tie flounced with matching ostrich feathers. Gown heavily beaded at throat, sleeves and pants. 1971

Right - Summer evening gown with halter neck and self bias ruffle around the sleeves. A-line, cut on the bias, empire detail. 1970

 

L a C r o i x (Left)
Left - Ankle length ball gown of black mousseline de soie with belled extended skirt rolled and attached to underskirt. Drop shoulders, extending into giant puff sleeves. 1989

Middle - Narrow lace and lame evening gown, gold and black lace, over-beaded. Strapless, with narrow side wrap. 1989

Right - Chocolate brown velvet narrow evening gown, long sleeveless. Bodice of tabacco silk jersey, cross wrapped horizontally with draperies falling down the back. Large jewelled pin. 1992

 

M a r c B o h a n (Above)
Aqua silk chiffon, wrapped and draped, floating panels. 1985